Preparedness for Pets & Livestock

THE POINT

Its your responsibility to care of the needs of your pets and livestock during and after disasters. Know how to respond to animal needs, and how to protect yourself from threatening animals and insects before, during and after disasters. 

DO THIS

  • Make an emergency plan for your pets and livestock.
  • Build a kit with your animals needs in mind. 
  • Teach each other protective actions against animal and insect hazards.

Make a Plan

If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency.

Things to include in your plan:

  • Know what to do with your pet during an evacuation . Many public shelters and hotels do not allow
    pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
  • Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is
    available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
  • Have copies of your pet’s vaccination record, and make sure your pet is microchipped. Keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
  • Keep contact information for your local emergency management office or animal control office and shelters on hand in case you become separated from your pet.

Additional considerations:

  • Identify pet-friendly places to stay within a 50-mile radius. Keep your pet with you if at all possible during a disaster.
  • production and companion livestock should not be turned loose or locked in a barn during an emergency. A large fenced area is the best way to protect your animals in a disaster involving extreme weather events.
  • Always have a weeks supply of food on hand and under cover.
  • Have an emergency source of water if services are disrupted.
  • Have transportation to evacuate. Remember that borrowing from a neighbor may not be feasible.
  • Have current health/vaccination records, proof of ownership and brand or microchip identification.
  • Identify nearby and distant evacuation sites – boarding facilities, fairgrounds, arenas etc.
  • Keep a first aid kit in your truck or trailer.
  • Maintain a contact list of normal and alternate suppliers.
  • Know your brand inspectors and extension agents.
  • Membership in a growers or producers organization that can provide assistance in an emergency will reduce losses.
  • Know how to reach your insurance agent in the event of losses.
  • When possible, move stock out of flood or fire zones in advance, provide extra feed in severe weather events.

 

Get a Kit

Pets need a 72-hour kit as well:

  • Food and Water. Keep several days’ supply of both. Keep food in an airtight, waterproof container, and
    have a water bowl to use.
  • Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
  • First aid kit. Include items appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
  • Backup collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Have copies of your pet’s registration information
    in a waterproof container and available electronically.
  • Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier for each pet.
  • Grooming items. Pet shampoo and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
  • A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet, a picture will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
  • Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box, trash bags and other items to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
  • Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit to reduce stress for your pets.

Be Informed

Stay informed of current conditions and know how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings.

Animals and insects can become dangerous during and after disasters. Visit the CDC website on how to protect yourself from animal and insect related hazards after a disaster

Get Involved

Get involved in your local Community Animal Response Team (CART). CART trains on animal response considerations in a post disaster environment. CART also helps develop local animal response plans. Visit the Utah CART website to find a program near you.

Get Involved in CART

Community Animal Response Teams (CART) is a program in which volunteers can be trained and organized to help with animal issues after a disaster. Work with your local Emergency Manager and local Animal Control to see how you can get involved with or start a CART program near you.


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